№ 3 (89) 2020

Elena Yuneeva (Volgograd). Retrospektiva: opernaya primadonna epokhi barokko Anna Renzi / Retrospective: Anna Renzi, prima donna of Baroque opera (pp. 1–7)

The author focuses on the creative figure of Anna Renzi, the prima donna of the Venetian opera scene of the mid-17th century. The main stages of the singer’s creative biography are traced, her outstanding vocal and acting abilities are noted, which made it possible to amaze contemporaries with her interpretations of numerous roles in operas by F. Sacrati, C. Monteverdi, F. Cavalli, P. A. Ziani and other Italian composers of the Baroque era. This article is actually the first special publication about Anna Renzi in Russian.

Keywords: Anna Renzi; Venetian opera; vocal art; baroque music.

Alexandra Safonova (Moscow). Pokroviteli I put’ k uspekhu, ili Andre Gretri i istoricheskiye kollizii vo Frantsii poslednej treti 18 veka / Patrons and path to success, or André Grétry and historical conflicts in France of the last third of the 18th century (pp. 8–13)

The article discussed the main stages of the creative path of André Ernest Modest Grétry in the context of the most important historical events in France of the last decades of the 18th century. The important role played by his aristocratic patrons in France of that time, including Prince de Conti, the Swedish ambassador to Paris Count de Creutz, as well as Queen Marie Antoinette, is emphasized.

Keywords: Grétry; French opera; Count de Creutz; Prince de Conti; Marie Antoinette; the French Revolution.

Larissa Kirillina (Moscow). Bethoven, orfika I graf Razumovsij / Beethoven, orphica, and the Count Razumovsky (pp. 14–19)

The article deals with one of Beethoven's early works, which was previously considered a light two-movement Sonata for piano (WoO 51), and now is designated as two pieces for orphica, an instrument invented in 1795 by Karl Leopold Röllig. In the letter first published here and written by count A. K. Razumovsky to Chancellor I. A. Osterman on September 5/16, 1795, the orphica is recommended for acquisition by the Russian court. We may suggest that the new instrument was discussed in the family and friendly circle of count Razumovsky. Perhaps among the "men of taste" to whom the count refers might be the young Beethoven.

Keywords: Beethoven; piano sonata WoO 51; orphica; Count A. K. Razumovsky.

Valery Berezin (Moscow). Zametki o frantsuzskom orkestre vremen Ljudovika XIV / Notes on the French orchestra during Louis XIV’s reign (pp. 20–34)

The article focuses on the main features of French baroque orchestra during the Louis XIV’s reign. This orchestra was an exceptionally unique artistic phenomenon, but it was really underrated by musicologists for a long time. The orchestra is based on special French violins of five types and sizes. The article analyzes their use in the score, techniques and methods of orchestration. Attention is also paid to the interpretation of wind instruments (flutes, oboes, bassoons, trumpets and horns). Various instrumental compositions and methods of their scoring are considered, as well as the main types of orchestration. This article is one of the first studies on the proposed topic in Russian.

Keywords: orchestra; Baroque; the reign of Louis XIV; orchestration in the 17th century; French violins; baroque wind instruments.